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The avalanche hit the vehicle on its way to Bhaderwah from Bani and it rolled down into a 1500-feet gorge

Five persons were killed and several injured after a mini bus was hit by an avalanche on the Bhaderwah-Basholi highway in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district today.

The avalanche hit the vehicle on its way to Bhaderwah from Bani and it rolled down into a 1500-feet gorge, according to BRO workers clearing the snow and debris near Chattar Gali pass, 38 kms from Bhaderwah.

The bus was carrying 12 passengers. BRO workers along with some locals started rescue operations and also informed the police," SDPO, Bhaderwah, Birjesh Sharma said.

"As of now three of the injured including the driver of the vehicle have been rescued and sent to Sub District Hospital Bhaderwah," he said.